[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 155 (Wednesday, September 25, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H7979]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING ERIN WILLMAN FOR CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISABLED 
                                 ADULTS

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize Erin Willman of Warren, Pennsylvania. Just 22 years old, Erin 
is running her own business, White Cane Coffee.
  Erin founded her company with an important goal in mind: to provide 
people with disabilities with self-sustaining jobs.
  Erin is blind and on the autism spectrum. She believes that providing 
a welcoming environment centered around a good cup of coffee is a 
natural way to promote inclusivity.
  White Cane Coffee offers eight different roast varieties, and each 
bag includes braille-friendly labels.
  Despite being capable and wanting to work, almost 90 percent of 
adults with autism are either unemployed or underemployed. For many, 
jobs are extremely difficult to find; and for others, work environments 
are not supportive or are even hostile to those who are disabled. Erin 
is helping to bridge this gap by empowering autistic adults in her 
community.
  I am proud of the work that Erin is doing every day to create 
opportunities for autistic adults in Warren County.

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